Tottenham Hotspur were just minutes away from their first Premier League win of 2026 on Saturday. Then, in injury time, Brighton dashed hope.
Georginio Rutter made it 1-1 in the 95th minute, shocking Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – and sending the “Lilywhites” back to the relegation zone. For at least one more week.
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Pedro Porro had given Tottenham the lead in the first half, before Kaoru Mitoma equalised with a magnificent volley. The north London side fought their way back, and when Xavi Simons’ brilliant shot hit the post and in, the stands exploded in euphoria.
But the jubilation did not last. Again.
Tottenham’s miserable form continues to increase the risk of relegation. And West Ham can open up a four-point lead as early as Monday.
Supercomputer increases chances of Tottenham relegation
Football Insider exclusively revealed on Saturday that Bayern Munich are chasing Pape Matar Sarr – one of several who could leave the club if Tottenham are relegated. The midfielder was missing from the weekend’s squad due to injury, and he will be joined by Mohammed Kudus and Dejan Kulusevski in the treatment room.
| Tottenham | Match statistics | Brighton |
|---|---|---|
| 42% | Possession | 58% |
| 13 | Shots | 10 |
| 6 | Shots on target | 3 |
| 1.09 | Expected goals (xG) | 0.82 |
| 7 | Corners | 5 |
The injuries have been relentless against the “Lilywhites” this season. Cristian Romero will also have to sit out the rest of the season after a knee injury against Sunderland – and his absence was evident in the game’s last, fateful moments.
Substitute Kevin Danso chose to take a touch instead of clearing the ball when Yankuba Minteh struck into the box. The penalty came immediately: Jean Paul van Hecke stole the ball, and Rutter could easily put in the equalizer.
A moment that could be fatal for Tottenham.
Opta’s supercomputer definitely thinks so. After the Sunderland game, the chance of relegation was 46.50 percent. Now? 54.22 percent.
Tottenham’s last five – the fateful matches of the season
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The next five games are some of the biggest in the club’s 143-year history.
- Wolves (away) – First out against the league’s worst team on paper. Tottenham’s best chance to break the winless streak.
- Aston Villa (away) – A tough away trip against a team in great form.
- Leeds United (home) – Leeds comes to London with confidence.
- Chelsea (away) – Stamford Bridge awaits in what is always an intense local clash.
- Everton (away) – End of the season against one of the Premier League’s very best teams at the moment.
By then, De Zerbi’s team may already know their fate. Because every single minute counts now. For real.
